Illinois Travel Guide: Explore the Best Parks, Historic Sites, and Hidden Gems
Explore Illinois with this Roam Your Home travel guide. Discover historic presidential sites, scenic state parks, museums, charming river towns, and hidden gems across the Prairie State.
Discover Places to Explore
Looking for more places to explore? Browse all of our Roam Your Home articles about Illinois, including historic sites, presidential landmarks, parks, and cultural attractions. From Chicago’s museums to Abraham Lincoln history and scenic river towns, discover some of the best things to do in Illinois.
Starved Rock State Park
From scenic river bluffs and wooded canyons to prairie landscapes and peaceful lakes, Illinois’s parks reveal surprising natural beauty across the state. Our featured Illinois park highlights one of the state’s top outdoor destinations.
Abraham Lincoln’s Grave
Illinois is home to historic places tied to Abraham Lincoln, early American industry, and pivotal national moments. Our featured Illinois historic site highlights one destination that helped shape the Prairie State’s story.
Best National Parks in Illinois
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- New Philadelphia National Historic Site
- Pullman National Historical Park
- Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
Best Illinois State Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Giant City State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial
- Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park
Best Museums in Illinois
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Field Museum in Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Know Before You Roam: Illinois Quick Facts
- Largest City: Chicago
- High Point (Rank): Charles Mount 1,235 ft (45)
- Lowest Elevation: Mississippi and Ohio Rivers Confluence: 280 ft
- State Nickname: “Prairie State”
- State Flower: Violet
- State Tree: White Oak
- State Animal: White-tailed Deer
- State Bird: Northern Cardinal
- State Fish: Bluegill
Explore Illinois on the Roam Your Home Travel Map
Explore Illinois on the Roam Your Home map.
Every marker highlights one of our articles about historic homes, museums, parks, and cultural landmarks. Click a pin to uncover the story and begin planning your Illinois travels.